Orange community honors 125 Texas child abuse victims

Event marks Child Abuse Prevention Month with sobering display of candles

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:07pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of a display of many flickering candles, representing the lives lost to child abuse and neglect, captured in a warm, hazy light that evokes a somber and reflective mood.A community gathers to honor the lives of children lost to abuse, while urging vigilance and action to prevent future tragedies.Orange Today

Each candle at the event in Orange, Texas represented a child who died from abuse or neglect in the state last year. The somber scene was part of a child abuse prevention campaign organized by Texas Family Care Network and community partners to raise awareness and urge residents to report suspected abuse.

Why it matters

Child abuse and neglect remain serious issues in Texas, with 125 children losing their lives to such tragedies in the past year. This event aimed to honor those victims while also empowering the community to be vigilant and report any suspected abuse, which can help get families the support they need before crises escalate.

The details

The display featured 125 candles, each one representing a child who died from abuse or neglect in Texas in the previous year. The event was organized by Texas Family Care Network and several community partners as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It drew representatives from state and local agencies like the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Orange Child Welfare Board, and local law enforcement.

  • The event took place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Texas Family Care Network

A nonprofit organization that works to support vulnerable children and families in Texas.

Sherry Pulliam

The senior director of community engagement for Texas Family Care Network, who spoke at the event.

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

The state agency responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect.

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What they’re saying

“If you see something, you need to say something. You need to learn how to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect, and, most importantly, report it.”

— Sherry Pulliam, Senior Director of Community Engagement, Texas Family Care Network

“Child Abuse Prevention Month should be every single month. We need to make sure that children are safe in their homes, with their caregivers. We need to make sure that children are loved and protected.”

— Sherry Pulliam, Senior Director of Community Engagement, Texas Family Care Network

What’s next

The event organizers encouraged residents to learn the signs of child abuse and neglect, and to report any suspected cases to the state's child abuse hotline. They also stressed the importance of the community continuing to support vulnerable children and families beyond just the month of April.

The takeaway

This event highlighted the tragic reality of child abuse in Texas, while also empowering the Orange community to be vigilant and take action to protect vulnerable children. By raising awareness and emphasizing the importance of reporting suspected abuse, the organizers hope to prevent future tragedies and ensure all children in the state are safe, loved, and cared for.